COVID-19 tests
Here you will find the most important information about testing possibilities.
Table of contents
Status of the information: 21.03.2022
What types of tests are there?
Self tests
- Own execution of the test by private persons is possible
- Nasal or throat swab
- Direct evaluation
- Less reliable result
Rapid tests
- Performance of the test by trained staff
- Nasal or throat swab
- On-site evaluation within a few minutes
- More reliable result than self-tests
PCR tests
- For verification of a positive self test or rapid test
- The test is performed by medical personnel
- Nasal or throat swab
- Evaluation in a laboratory within a few days
- Reliable test result
Antibody tests
- To check one's own immunity or the success of the vaccination
- Blood test by medical staff
- Evaluation in a laboratory within a few days
- Reliable test result
The result of any test, whether it is a PCR test, rapid test or self-test, always represents only a snapshot. Compliance with the AHA rules is therefore important even if the test result is negative.
When do I take which test?
Self tests and rapid tests
You can take a quick test free of charge at many test centers and pharmacies in your area. Important: You should only do this if you have no symptoms. You can find out about local test centers from your municipality. The Chamber of Pharmacies in your state publishes an overview of pharmacies that offer testing according to the testing ordinance.
In addition, tests can also be performed by selected doctors and aid organizations. You can find an overview on the website of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in your federal state.
Self-testing can be done at any time and any place.
If you already have symptoms, please contact specialized practices, fever outpatient clinics or the test centers of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. You can reach them by calling 116 117, where you can make an appointment. Or also on the respective page of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in your federal state.
PCR tests
PCR tests are used for diagnostic purposes, i.e. to clarify whether a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2 or to verify a positive rapid or self-test.
The cost of a PCR test is covered if ordered by a physician. This is usually the case if your self or rapid test was positive, or you already have known symptoms such as fever, aching limbs, or a severe cough.
Antibody tests
Antibody tests are used to check your immunity or vaccination success. You usually have to pay for them yourself.
Symptoms procedure
Procedure for typical symptoms of a disease with COVID-19
- If you already have known symptoms such as fever, aching limbs or a cough, please contact a specialist practice, fever outpatient clinic or the test centers of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. You can reach them by calling 116 117, where you can make an appointment. Alternatively, you can make an appointment on the respective page of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in your federal state.
- Execution of a PCR test
- You will receive the result a few days after your appointment. Until you receive the written result, you are obliged to stay in quarantine at home.
- With a negative test result, in some cities you will be allowed to use services that are otherwise prohibited during the lockdown. For example, a visit to the hairdresser.
- If the result is positive, you will be called by an employee from the health department. This person will discuss with you the further procedure with regard to an extension of the isolation, contact follow-up or a second test.
Learn more
Information about COVID-19
General information
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions such as insurance coverage for COVID-19 diseases..
Vaccination
The vaccination against COVID-19 is free of charge for you – regardless of whether, where and through which tariff you have health insurance.
Entry restrictions
During a pandemic, travel restrictions apply in Germany for entry from many countries.
